Built as a cargo vessel under yard No. 214 by A.G. Neptun, Rostock for Cords and Schmidt, Rostock.
25 March 1903 launched under the name GRETE CORDS.
Tonnage 976 gross, dim. 67 x 9.5 x 4.7m., length bpp. 64.4m, draught 4.3m.
Powered by a 3-cyl. triple expansion steam engine, manufactured by builder 76 nhp., one propeller, speed 9.5 knots.
Use of coal, 12 ton at sea and 3 ton in harbour.
One deck.
June 1903 delivered to owners.
1904 The only owner is then given as Aug. Cords in Rostock.
From 08 August 1914 till 1919 sheltered at Vigo, Spain.
1926 Sold to Erich Ahrens, Rostock and renamed JOHANN AHRENS.
Tonnage 873 gross, 538 net, 720 dwt.
During the Second War owned by Johann Ahrens and managed by Mentzdreiher Co., Rostock.
May 1945 laying at Rostock heavily war damaged.
Towed to Wismar were she was repaired and rebuilt by the Staat Werft.
13 October 1950 renamed in VORWÄRTS (full ahead), and transferred to the Deutsche Schiff & Umschlagzentrale, Stralsund, East Germany.
Tonnage 917 grt, 503 net, 1.550 dwt.
Her first voyage was from Rostock to Ventspil, and she was the first ship of this company.
13 October 1952 transferred to VEB Deutsche Seereederei, Stralsund.
01 April 1954 arrived at Rostock with severe boiler damage, and to expensive to repair
Under East German flag only used in the Baltic, and made in that time around 100 voyages in the Baltic to East block countries, in which she transported around 100.000 tons of cargo.
.
26 October 1954 out of service, and in May 1955 transferred to Pioniergruppe Ernst Thälmann and used as a stationary floating accommodation/school-ship at Rostock.
30 April 1957 after a major refit in use as a stationary training vessel for young sailors stationed in the Warnow River.
15 May 1959 transferred to the Jungen Pionieren of the Freien Deutsche Jugendbeweging.
1989 Broken up at Rostock.
East Germany 1982 25pf sg E 2421
Source: Navicula. Register of Merchant Ships completed in 1904. Some web-sites.